pounce
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.


1pounce

noun \ˈpau̇n(t)s\

Definition of POUNCE

: the claw of a bird of prey

Origin of POUNCE

Middle English, punching tool, dagger, talon — more at punch
First Known Use: 15th century

2pounce

intransitive verb
pouncedpounc·ing

Definition of POUNCE

1
a : to swoop upon and seize something with or as if with talons
b : to seize upon and make capital of something (as another's blunder or an opportunity)
2
: to make a sudden assault or approach

First Known Use of POUNCE

1744

Rhymes with POUNCE

3pounce

noun

Definition of POUNCE

: the act of pouncing

First Known Use of POUNCE

1841

4pounce

transitive verb
pouncedpounc·ing

Definition of POUNCE

: to dust, rub, finish, or stencil with pounce

Origin of POUNCE

Middle French poncer, from ponce
First Known Use: 1535

5pounce

noun

Definition of POUNCE

1
: a fine powder formerly used to prevent ink from spreading
2
: a fine powder for making stenciled patterns

Origin of POUNCE

French ponce pumice, from Middle French, from Late Latin pomic-, pomex, alteration of Latin pumic-, pumex — more at foam
First Known Use: circa 1706

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: pounce box
Previous Word in the Dictionary: pounamu
All Words Near: pounce

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up pounce? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More